Property transactions can occasionally take longer than expected and, with soliciors being busier than ever before, it can be extremely frustrating for someone who is eager to move to experience a delayed and drawn out transaction. 

Planning well and managing your own expectations can help mitigate against this - Here at Kivells we are here to guide you through the process and keep things moving on your behalf, keeping you in the loop every step of the way. 

Below are some tops tips for a smooth sales process: 

✓ Instruct a Solicitor 

Firstly, we always advise our vendors to instruct a solicitor as soon as they come to the market. It is also a good idea to meet with your solicitor, prior to an offer, as this can sometimes save several weeks on the sale process as your solicitor will make sure you have all of the relevant documentation. 

✓ Property Title Deeds 

If you are unable to locate the title deeds for your property you will be able to obtain a copy from the solicitor you used when you initially applied for a mortgage or purchased your home. Your current solicitor will also need to obtain official deeds from the Land Registry. However, if your property hasn’t been sold since 1990, when property registration became compulsory in England and Wales, the Land Registry is unlikely to have a copy of the deeds (unless you voluntarily registered it). This means you will have to locate those deeds yourself. In some cases, they may be with your mortgage provider, or possibly with your solicitor – so get in touch with both of these parties as soon as possible.

If you are unable to locate the deeds at all, you will have to apply for a ‘Title Absolute’ from the Land Registry. This involves proving that you are the legal owner of your home and that you have a right to the freehold and the structures on the property. You will also need to show that you’ve had possession for an unbroken period of 15 years; if you can’t prove this, then you may want to contact the Land Registry sooner rather than later for help on next steps. Please bear in mind that a ‘Title Absolute’ requires a lot more time and admin to establish, so you’ll need to apply for it well in advance of selling your property. 

✓ Management Information Pack 

If you pay any service charges, or if your property is leasehold, then you may need to send off for a Management Information Pack, also known as a Leasehold Information Pack. You or your solicitor can arrange for this via the freeholder or managing agent. It is worthwhile doing this as early as possible, as it can sometimes take a long time for them to be processed or obtained. 

If you have been in a leasehold for more than two years, it may pay to extend it – as this could significantly increase the value of the property. For example, leaseholds that have fewer than 80 years left may be worth much less than those with fewer than 85 years left, as landlords can charge extra for the increase in value that an extension bestows upon the property (a marriage fee). In addition, many mortgages won’t cover shorter leaseholds, so make sure you check this. 

✓ Energy Performance Certificate 

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required when you sell your property. This document is an assessment of the energy use of your home. If you don’t have an EPC dated within the last 10 years, you’ll need to acquire one from a qualified assessor.

✓ Fittings and Contents Form 

The fittings and contents form, otherwise known as TA10, details exactly what is included in the sale of your property. Items on this list may include the shed, plants and any indoor items you wish to leave behind, such as blinds, furniture and white goods. Both you and the potential buyers should know exactly what is included in the property price as this will prevent delays further down the line. 

✓ Property Information Form 

The property information form, or TA6 as it’s also known, is a comprehensive closer look at your home in its current form and status. Any documents noted in this form need to be provided, so ensure you have copies of everything on the list. This may include a Buildings Regulations sign-off or a Fensa Certificate for replacement windows. The TA6 form covers the following: 

1. Boundaries – who is responsible for any hedges and fences, and where the boundaries of the property lie. 
2. Complaints – any continuing disputes with neighbours. 
3. Proposals – notices regarding further development in the local area. Letters may be from the local authority or neighbours. 
4. Planning – this includes any alterations and building work that has been completed or is ongoing. 
5. Warranties – this covers any guarantees or warranties currently on the property, such as solar panels. 
6. Insurance – you should provide details of how much it would roughly cost to insure your home and any irregularities. 
7. Environmental matters – this covers any flooding risks as well as your Energy Performance Certificate. 
8. Parking – This section covers all parking related matters, including garages and driveways. 
9. Services – note the condition of the services within your home, including the condition of the boiler, heating and electrical wiring. You will also be required to obtain copies of any gas and electrical certificates and provide an up-to-date boiler service record. 
10. Occupiers – state whether there are any current tenants living in the property and if they will remain after the property has been purchased. 
11. Connection to utilities – this section covers the location of meters within your property, including water, electricity and gas. 
12. Other charges – this relates to lease costs if your home is leasehold and other costs, such as maintenance fees for flats or a gated residence.
13. Transaction information – this section is for information regarding moving dates, special requirements related to moving and if you intend to purchase another property. 

Much of this information is provided by local authorities, but the amount of time it takes to get the information varies widely, from 24 hours to several weeks, so be as diligent and proactive as you can to minimise any hold ups. 

For more information, or if you're intersted in selling, please get in touch with your local Kivells team today.